A recent surveillance data in Thailand by the Ministry of Public Health of preschool childern all over the country is shown in Table 2(3). The prevalence of PEM is strikingly high.
The report of United Nations; Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on review and Appraisal of Environmental Situation in the ESCAP Region (4) stated : impairment of human health is a widespread and common problem which occurs owing to both lack of development and development process itselt. Lack of basic community facilities, including sanitation, drinking water supply and primary health care as well environmental pollution (of air, water and soil) due to municipal, industrial and agriculture activities, are the major causes of the problem. Mortality and morbidity rates due to water and soilborne diseases are significant higher in many developing countries of the region such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Viey Nam. In addition, debility due to malnutrition and continuous scikness is also causing a severe lack of human efficiency, although it is very difficult to quantify this problem.
Other nutrient deficiency
Though PEM is considered the most important nutritional problem in Asia, other major nutrient deficiences can not be disregarded. The impairment of health status or even disability and death may occur as a result of such preventable cause. These include iron deficiency anemia, vitamin A deficiency, beri-beri, iodine deficiency goiter, bladder stone disease and riboflavin deficiency.
Pregnant and lactating women
Twenty to thirty percent of pregnant women are estimated to be anemic, an anemic in pregnant women is related to low birth weight and preterm infant. A 1975 national survey by the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand showned in fact the food intake of protein in compare with the recommendation of 2,100 calories and 67 grams of protein for pregnant women and 2,100 calories and 87 grams of protein for lactating women.